A GUIDE TO DUBLIN / IRELAND

Ireland

Ireland is an island on the north-western edge of Europe. It is 486 kilometres long and 275 kilometres wide. Ireland has 3,172 kilometres of coastline – the longest coastline per head of population in Europe. The Republic of Ireland occupies three-quarters of the island and its capital city is Dublin. Ireland, with its beautiful scenery, offers a range of attractions to the tourist including ancient archaeological sites and monuments, a variety of sporting activities such as fishing, riding and golf, as well as traditional dancing and music. Ireland is now enjoying stability and peace North and South of the Island.

Population4.4 million, over 1.5 million live in Dublin.

LanguageThe national language is Irish, or Gaelic. However, almost everyone speaks English as their main language and all business is conducted in English, unless you request it to be conduct through the Irish Gaelic language. However, you will see street and road signage and official literature available in English along with the Irish Gaelic.

Dublin

Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, is built on the River Liffey and is also situated beside the sea, yet close to both the countryside and mountains. A city of fine Georgian buildings, Dublin has been influenced by its Danish, Norman and English antecedents. It has excellent stores and shops, museums, antique shops and a range of pubs and restaurants. Among the goods for which Ireland is particularly well known are tweed, knitwear, linen, glass, lace and silverware. These can be purchased from most department stores or specialist handcraft shops. It has major theatres, including the world famous Abbey theatre, concert facilities, art galleries and cinemas. There is a wide variety of sporting facilities including golf courses, sailing and racecourses.

ClimateIreland enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters and relatively cool summers. Dublin enjoys reasonable sunshine and rain belts reaching the east coast are frequently light and generally clear quickly. However, it is always wise when travelling to Ireland to pack a rain mac or umbrella.

ShoppingDublin has a busy city centre shopping area around Grafton Street and Henry Street. There is a huge range of products to bring home – from traditional Irish hand-made crafts to international designer labels. Things to buy: woolen knits, tweeds, crystal, Claddagh rings, pottery, silver and music. Shopping hours are from 9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Saturday, with shops open until 8.00pm on Thursdays, and many shops open from 12.00pm – 6.00pm on Sunday.

InsuranceThe WACAP Organising Committee, or its agents, will not be responsible for any medical expenses, loss or accidents incurred during the congress. Delegates are strongly advised to arrange their own personal insurance to cover medical and other expenses including accident or loss. Where a delegate has to cancel for medical reasons, the normal cancellation policy will apply. It is recommended that citizens from EU countries bring with them a current E111 form.

Smoking PolicyUnder Irish law smoking is not permitted in pubs, restaurants, hotel lobbies and all enclosed public buildings.

Electricity220 voltsPlugs in Ireland are 3 pin plugs.

TimeFrom March to October, Ireland operates on Greenwich Mean Time + 1 hour.

Currency

Ireland’s currency is the euro (€), which is divided into 100 cents.

TippingTipping in restaurants, taxis and hotels is common. Restaurants will often add in a service charge, usually 10%, especially if you have more than 5 in your party. If not, the normal tip is 10% for restaurants or taxis. In hotels, porters are generally tipped €1 per bag.

ATMsNearly all banks in Dublin will have an automated teller machine (ATM), which can be outside the building or just inside the door. Please note that machines are often not replenished over the weekend so it is advisable to take out all the cash you need early on Friday so that you won’t be disappointed.

Changing MoneyMost Banks offer a foreign exchange facility and generally offer the best exchange rates. You can also often change money in many Post Offices, which are open on Saturdays until around noon. Dublin also offers many Bureau de change and other exchange facilities but the rates may be higher than many banks.

Credit CardsVisa and MasterCard are more widely accepted in Dublin than Amex or Diners Club, which may not be accepted in smaller establishments. If a card is lost or stolen, inform the police and the issuing company as soon as possible; otherwise you may have to bear the cost of the thief’s purchases. Here are some 24-hour hotlines for cancelling your cards:Amex (1800 282 728)Diners Club (0818 300 026)MasterCard (1800 557 378)Visa (1800 558 002)

Traveller’s chequesTraveller’s cheques from most major banks are accepted in Ireland. It is best to carry them in Euros to avoid expensive exchange rates. It is important to remember that traveller’s cheques are not generally accepted for everyday transactions so we recommend cashing them at the beginning of your trip.

Tax back incentiveSince 2007, a business delegate attending a qualifying conference is entitled to reclaim Value Added Tax (VAT) paid in respect of accommodation costs incurred while attending that conference.